So, does anyone think that the Dolphins may decide to add a ball-hawking playmaker at the safety position? I'm not saying that he is as good as Ed Reed, but look at how valuable he has been over the years for the Ravens.

Quote:

Source: S Kenny Vaccaro to visit DolphinsBy James Walker | ESPN.com

The Miami Dolphins are scheduled to meet with University of Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro before the NFL draft, a source tells ESPN.com's AFC East blog.

Vaccaro is widely considered the top safety prospect in this year's draft and a likely top-20 selection. Miami holds the No. 12 overall pick in the first round.

Safety is not a huge need for the Dolphins after they re-signed starter Chris Clemons in free agency. Clemons and Reshad Jones are a decent tandem, but Vaccaro would bring more playmaking ability than Clemons, and certainly a higher ceiling.

Vaccaro also is versatile and can cover receivers in the slot, which makes him valuable to a lot of teams. The Dolphins were ranked 27th in pass defense last season, allowing 248.4 yards per game.

Durability 2 Started 32 of the 51 games he appeared in during his college career but knee injury ended senior season in high school.

Intangibles 2 Pronounced: vuh-KAR-oh. Shared Team Captain Award with Alex Okafor and was a named a game captain in 10 of 12 regular-season games in 2012. Captured school's Mike Campbell Defensive MVP and George `Hook' McCullough Team MVP Awards in 2012. Shared the team's Clyde Littlefield Most Spirited Defensive Player Award with Desmond Jackson and Alex Okafor in 2012. Earned Texas' Joseph W. Moore Tenacity Award for Defense in 2010, 2011 and 2012. Earned Texas' Frank Denius Most Valuable Special Teams Player award in 2010. Enrolled at Texans in January of 2009 so he could participate in spring drills that year. Played six different positions in high school. Uncle, A.J. Johnson, played in the NFL with the Washington Redskins (1989-94), helping Washington to a victory in Super Bowl XXVI, and San Diego Chargers (1995). Became a father in early 2012. Arrested and charged with misdemeanor assault after being involved in a fight with another student during a pick-up basketball game at a campus gymnasium in fall of 2009. Arrested along with former player Eryon Barnett on a charge of failure to obey after allegedly refusing to leave a pizza parlor in May of 2012. Charges were later dropped.

Safety Specific Traits

Instincts/Recognition 2 Reads quarterback's eyes and shows good awareness when given deep zone responsibilities. Disciplined. Rarely takes the cheese in underneath zone coverage and rarely gets caught out of position biting on play action. Flashes above average route recognition and the ability to jump underneath routes when lines up over the slot. Instinctive pass rusher that finds seams in pass protections.

Cover Skills 1 Versatile and doesn't have many limitations. Quick-twitch athlete that can stay with most slot receivers in man coverage. Fluid and smooth for a safety with his size. Good balance and body control transitioning out of breaks. Stays low in backpedal for the most part. Explodes off back foot and closes well when facing the ball. Can turn and run with tight ends and most slot receivers. Has a second gear and above average recovery speed. Covers a lot of ground and has enough range/length to play a centerfielder-type role. Can be more physical and fundamentally sound in press coverage. Also an effective pass rusher that closes well and flashes the ability to run through blocks in the backfield.

Ball Skills 2 Doesn't have elite ball skills and five interceptions over the past three seasons doesn't suggest ball hawk but has the potential to develop into a playmaker. Has the instincts and range to get into position to make a play. Takes sound angles to the point and can high point the ball. Aggressive and can come up with 50-50 balls. Flashes the ability to turn, locate and play the ball when back is initially to the quarterback.

Run Support 2 Plays with an edge. Can get caught up in the wash when lines up in the box but strong for size and flashes a violent punch when taking on blockers. Aggressive and fills hard when lines up deep. Has the length and body control to provide a reliable last line of defense and make plays in the open field when plays under control. Flashes the ability to deliver the big hit but doesn't always break down and can whiff. Angles are a touch inconsistent and caught out of position occasionally.

Not going to be upset if this is the pick. Would like it later though at say 16, but if its 12 then that is fine also.

Sun Apr 07, 2013 9:08 am

phinsfansc

Phinfever Draft Insider

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:14 pmPosts: 3981Location: Columbia, SC

Re: Source: S Kenny Vaccaro to visit Dolphins

Wish Kenny showed better ball skills and INT production, but to have a safety with the ability to cover slot receivers, which means he could do a very good job of covering TE as well would be BIG. Especially when you are talking about dealing with New England.

He is certainly highly thought of. Most think he is the top rated safety with the exception of ProFootball Weekly, which rates LSU Eric Reid as the top FS.

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Sun Apr 07, 2013 10:11 am

Big Dave

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Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 9:41 amPosts: 9749Location: Raleigh, NC

Re: Source: S Kenny Vaccaro to visit Dolphins

phinsfansc wrote:

Wish Kenny showed better ball skills and INT production, but to have a safety with the ability to cover slot receivers, which means he could do a very good job of covering TE as well would be BIG. Especially when you are talking about dealing with New England.

He is certainly highly thought of. Most think he is the top rated safety with the exception of ProFootball Weekly, which rates LSU Eric Reid as the top FS.

I agree with you. My feelings are that if he wasn't a ball hawk at the collegiate level then he's not going to be one in the NFL. Very talented though. The Dolphins could go in any direction.

Our buddy Omar Kelly said he was "bored" watching Kenny Vaccaro on film. Barely any big plays, so IF he is even close to the mark on his thoughts, taking him at pick #12 doesn't seem prudent.

Mon Apr 08, 2013 7:38 am

Makchell

Phinfever Lead Moderator

Joined: Tue Jan 12, 2010 1:04 pmPosts: 7648

Re: Source: S Kenny Vaccaro to visit Dolphins

We seem to have this guy on the roster already. That's all we need, another DB/safety that doesn't make plays...no thanks. Again, DE, WR, OT (if one falls.) at 12.

Mon Apr 08, 2013 9:22 am

swerve13

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Joined: Sat Nov 27, 2010 12:52 amPosts: 7666Location: Lancaster, PA

Re: Source: S Kenny Vaccaro to visit Dolphins

Vaccaro is more like Polamalu than Reed.

Mon Apr 08, 2013 12:19 pm

phinsfansc

Phinfever Draft Insider

Joined: Wed Jan 13, 2010 11:14 pmPosts: 3981Location: Columbia, SC

Re: Source: S Kenny Vaccaro to visit Dolphins

Makchell wrote:

We seem to have this guy on the roster already. That's all we need, another DB/safety that doesn't make plays...no thanks. Again, DE, WR, OT (if one falls.) at 12.

Mak, no one has Vacarro on the roster. Yeah, we have some guys that like him like swerve, but there are people that are expressing concerns as well.

Miami could go so many directions, but I don't think he is the pick. Don Jones of Arkansas State is a guy the Dolphins have showed interest in and I am a big fan of Bacarri Rambo, the FS from Georgia. I think he has 18 career INT coming out of the SEC. He has his warts and off the field issues that will probably push him into the 3rd-4th round, but I like what he has to offer.